Ben Arfa: I am 100 percent fit

Alan Pardew’s side have won just one of their last five league fixtures and, as a result, have slipped to 1 00004000 6th in the table, just six points above the relegation zone.

They still have breathing space ahead of 18th-placed Wigan and a home win against Liverpool should secure their top-flight status for another season.

Newcastle’s hopes will be boosted by Ben Arfa’s availability, with the creative Frenchman – who has made three substitute appearances in the past fortnight – set to make his first league start in 2013 after being dogged with a hamstring injury.

“My hamstring is completely fine now and I feel happy that the injury has gone and I can return to full fitness. I am 100 percent fit,” Ben Arfa told Newcastle’s official match programme.

“I’m happy that I have come back into the team slowly and gradually. The manager and the doctor have put in place a programme to ensure I return gradually rather than rush back and get further problems in the future.

“I am happy with the work of the backroom staff and the manager because this was my first muscular injury and it was important that the healing ran its course.”